Are you a theme park fan or do you want to buy a gift for one? Here are recommended video games, videos, and other theme and amusement park-related gifts.
1. Roller Coaster Tycoon 3
Continuing the successful Tycoon series, number 3 amps up the 3D graphics and gives you a bunch of new features. You can build in features like fireworks and design an array of rides, but the focus is on the coasters (just like at real parks). You can create inverted, wood, or virtually any coaster you can imagine--even ones that defy the laws of physics. RCT 3 comes with something called "CoasterCam," which allows players to experience their creations from the perspective of a passenger.
2. K'NEX RIPPIN' ROCKET™ Roller Coaster
Forget the computer simulations and build a real (OK, a very tiny real) roller coaster. This one is designed to look and act like the mega launched coasters, such as Cedar Point's Top Thrill Dragster. Warning: According to the TV program, "20/20," the coaster takes a lot of patience to build. The company makes other amusement park ride moels.3. Roller Coaster Tycoon 2
I'm not much of a computer gamer, but this one is a hoot. A sequel to the popular video game that lets you create your own theme park, RCT2 lets you choose 25 real roller coasters and 5 actual Six Flags parks (although you can still develop completely-devoid-of-reality rides if you're so inclined).